As a production assistant you are often expected to attend and participate in rehearsals. There are two main reasons for this. First, rehearsals especially the early ones, are used to test, adjust and modify the sets, lighting, sound and other technical aspects of the production. The second reason is it is very likely that you as the production assistant will be performing duties during the performances (often on cues) and you would need to practice.

In live production there are several types of rehearsals; all lead to being prepared for

‘Opening Night’. We look at the common ‘technical’ rehearsals held by theatre production companies.

As the title ‘technical rehearsals’ suggests, these rehearsals focus on the technical elements of the production, including lighting placement and cues, proper set changes and sound cues. There are several types of technical rehearsals. They include:

Paper tech - Sometime prior to getting into the theatre, each of the designers (lighting, sound, scenic and costumes) will meet with the director and stage manager to discuss lighting and sound cues, costume changes and movement of the scenery. This process is called ‘paper tech’ because all of the technical aspects are written down on paper. The stage manager will place all of this information into the prompt book.

Dry tech - The dry tech is essentially a rehearsal without the performers. This rehearsal can last many, many hours, even days. This is when each designer and department head runs their segment of the production with their crew. This is the chance for the tech crew who will operate the lighting or sound equipment to become familiar with the flow of the performance.

Lighting would be cued in sequential order and any problems along the way such as brightness, angle, framing, or positioning would be fixed. Then a sound check is initiated to check the levels of the music, sound effects, or microphones to be used during the performance. Changes are made as necessary to correct volume, pitch, or feedback problems. Also, this is the rehearsal where the fly rigs or battens are tested for weight and accuracy of cueing with sound and lights.

Cue-to-cue - This rehearsal occurs before the ‘wet tech’ rehearsals and ‘dress rehearsals’ of a production. This is when the director and stage manager (with the light and sound crew) set light and sound levels. ’Bodies’ or ‘stage roamers’ may be asked to stand in certain areas onstage to ensure that they are properly lit, not standing in dark spots, as well as delivering some lines to ensure any background sound effects will not overpower the performer’s voice.

Wet tech - Sometimes simply referred to as the ‘tech rehearsal’ occurs after the ‘cue-to-cue’ and before the ‘dress rehearsal’. This is when the performers (generally not in costume) go through the entire play with full energy, volume and at the proper speed for the benefit of the tech crew. This is the rehearsal that the crew checks to make sure all light and sound cues are timed properly to coincide with the actions of the performers. Tech runs will include all light, sound effects, atmospheric effects (like fog) and music.

Dress rehearsals - Dress rehearsals take place in full costume and make-up. Dress rehearsals take place in the days immediately prior to opening the show. These rehearsals try to duplicate an actual performance.

Another type of ‘dress rehearsal’ is called the ‘open rehearsal’. Sometimes, invited guests attend these dress rehearsals to give the performers a feel for performing in front of an actual audience.